The New York Jets' defense has changed gears at linebacker, and it's not just because of Bart Scott's toe injury.

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Rookie Demario Davis played 69 defensive snaps in Sunday's loss to the New England Patriots, according to the New York Daily News. He fit right in, and his speed helped against New England's up-tempo approach. Bart Scott essentially was benched, playing just nine snaps.

Because Scott is a veteran player who has to be managed, Jets coach Rex Ryan attributed the low workload to the linebacker's toe injury. Scott has laudably played through the painful problem all season.

While Ryan is telling the truth, he's not telling the whole story. If Scott's toe was that big a problem, the Jets wouldn't have him taking seven special-teams snaps. They would rest him.

Injury or not, Davis needs to be on the field. Scott wouldn't even be back with the Jets this year if not for his salary being guaranteed. The Jets need to transition to a younger, faster defense. Expect Davis to stay in the lineup.